Walk-through scaffold and hoist frame

ABSTRACT

A light-weight, cost-effective walk-through frame that facilitates movement from one scaffold section to another by a scaffolding worker is disclosed. The frame includes a plurality of substantially vertical support members, each having a bottom end and a top end; a truss structure connected to the support members; and a plurality of angled support members, each of the angled support members having a bottom end and a top end, the angled support members diverging from their top ends to their bottom ends such that each of the angled support member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure and each of the angled support member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends of the plurality of substantially vertical support member bottom ends. The frame can be used in a scaffold, ensuring that the scaffold is suitable for use on projects of significant height. “Walk-through” can be facilitated through the use of a chevron-type configuration. From a project management standpoint, the system results in increased labor savings due, at least in part, to relative ease of set-up.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 60/617,983 filed on Oct. 12, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to scaffolding and/or shoring systems, and more particularly, to a frame assembly for use with scaffolding and/or shoring systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The heavier and more complex a scaffold, the more cumbersome assembly becomes. This is particularly true in applications (e.g., exteriors of tall buildings) in which scaffolds are utilized at great heights (e.g., about 250-500 feet, or more), but it is also true in applications (e.g., interiors of buildings, shorter buildings, etc.) having heights that are lower (e.g., less than 100 feet). This is also the case in shoring applications. Accordingly, scaffolds are typically designed to be transported, adjusted and assembled easily, quickly and safely. Moreover, scaffolds have greater commercial value when they can have multiple uses, or be used in a variety of environments. Still, it would be desirable to provide a scaffold system that is easily assembled and dismantled, particularly when used in tall scaffold projects (e.g., projects typically involving several levels of decking).

Further, it would be desirable for the scaffold to be efficient, for example having relatively high strength-to-weight and relatively high height-to-weight ratios. It would also be desirable and cost effective to provide a rugged and durable scaffold or scaffold system that has multiple uses and/or applications. For example, it would be desirable for the scaffold to permit assembly in tall applications using standard equipment. It would be desirable if the scaffold allowed for the installation of tall hoist structures in populated urban city centers that typically require that the component structures be of a relatively light weight and high strength, and thus, the equipment would allow for handling and assembly by individual workers (i.e., “man-handling”). Moreover, it would be desirable for the scaffold to be useful in shoring, bracing and enclosed structure applications. Further still, it would be desirable of the scaffold to permit “walk-through” capability by a worker, thereby allowing a worker to move freely about a level of scaffolding, as well as from one level to the next.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have recognized the importance of providing a scaffold that will address the aforementioned problems and incorporate the desirable characteristics described above. Accordingly, disclosed herein is a scaffold comprising: a deck and a walk-through frame assembly connected to and for supporting the deck. The frame assembly comprises: a plurality of substantially upright support members each having a bottom end and a top end; a truss structure connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members; and a plurality of angled support members, each of the angled support members having a bottom end and a top end. The angled support members diverge from their top ends to their bottom ends such that each of the angled support member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure and each of the angled support member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends of the plurality of substantially upright support member bottom ends.

In another embodiment, a walk-through frame that facilitates movement from one scaffold section to another by a scaffolding worker is disclosed. The frame includes a plurality of substantially vertical support members, each having a bottom end and a top end; a truss structure connected to the support members; and a plurality of angled support members, each of the angled support members having a bottom end and a top end, the angled support members diverging from their top ends to their bottom ends such that each of the angled support member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure and each of the angled support member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends of the plurality of substantially vertical support member bottom ends.

Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated, and such embodiments are considered within the scope of the present invention. More over, various features, objects and advantages will become apparent to one of skill in the art through thoughtful consideration of the detailed description, including the claims, which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only. The drawings illustrate a best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. Like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the drawings. Various items of equipment, such as connections, fittings, bolts, screws, and various support members etc., have been omitted from the drawings so as to simplify the description of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will realize that such conventional equipment can be, and are, employed as desired.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scaffold in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another scaffold in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, and in which a decking material is removed so as to illustrate various structural components of the system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the scaffold assembly of FIG. 2 in which a decking material is included;

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic front view of a scaffold assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 3 showing a beam hanging assembly for use with a scaffold, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a scaffold assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, with the scaffold assembly implemented in one exemplary industrial application; and

FIG. 6 a is a sectional view taken along line sk-1 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a scaffold 10 (also referred to as a “scaffold system or assembly”) in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The scaffold 10 generally comprises a plurality of walk-through frame assemblies 12 connected to and for supporting a plurality of decks 14 (also referred to as “decking” or “deck members”).

Each of the frame assemblies 12 includes a plurality of substantially upright support members 16, with each of the substantially upright support members having a bottom end 18 and a top end 20. Each of the frame assemblies further comprises a truss structure, generally referred to by the number 22, which is connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members 16. Each of the truss structures 22 further comprise a plurality of substantially lateral support members 38, 40, a plurality of substantially upright support members 42 and a plurality of angled support members 43, 45. As shown, the plurality of substantially upright support members 42 and the plurality of angled support members, 43,45, are connected to the substantially lateral support members 38, 40. In one embodiment, angled support members 43, 45 are joined to lateral support members 38, 40 via welding.

Still referring to FIG. 1, each of the frame assemblies further comprises a plurality of angled support members 24, 26. Each angled support member 24 has a bottom end 28 and a top end 30, and similarly, each angled support member 26 has a bottom end 32 and a top end 34. The angled brace or support members 24, 26 diverge from their top ends 30, 34 to their bottom ends 28, 32 such that each of the angled brace member top ends 30, 34 are connected near a central region of the truss structure 22 and each of the angled brace member bottom ends 28, 32 are connected near the bottom ends 18 of the plurality of substantially upright support members 16. As shown, the frame assemblies 12 can further comprise a plurality of ladder-like lateral support members 44 that can be connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members 16 and the plurality of angled brace members 24, 26.

In at least one embodiment, the frame assembly lateral support members can be positioned in a substantially horizontal fashion, and the upright support members can be positioned in a substantially vertical fashion. Also, in at least one embodiment, angled brace members can be positioned in a substantially diagonal in configuration. Moreover, as depicted, the truss or truss-like structure 22 and the plurality of angled support members 24, 26 can be positioned and connected so to create a chevron-type bracing configuration. As shown, each of the frame assemblies 12, when viewed on its side, can comprise a “k-shaped” or “substantially k-shaped” configuration.

As shown in FIG. 1, the scaffold assembly 10 is preferably of a width that can accommodate a desired size or amount of deck or decking 14, which itself can take a number of forms. The decking can include conventional hooks or claws 15 that can be used to capture, so as to connect, the decking 14 to respective truss 22 of respective frame assembly 12. In one preferred embodiment, the decking is of a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel. The decking material can also, by way of example (and as shown and described in the description below), include wood, or a combination of wood and metallic material. In general, the decking material is preferably rugged, and rigid (or substantially rigid), and the case of aluminum, typically relatively light-weight. Other decking materials of desirable construction are contemplated and considered within the scope of the present invention.

As a practical matter, certain of the walk-through frame members or assemblies can be replaced with standard scaffold members. Moreover, it is notable that, as shown, the plurality of walk-through frame assemblies 12 are positioned one on top of the other (as in a typical application), illustrating the stackable nature of the frame assemblies. Connection means 48 (e.g., a spigot) are illustrated to show one exemplary way in which additional frame assemblies can be included, and it should be understood that the total number of such assemblies can vary to convenience depending upon various factors associated with the application at hand.

The various support or brace members making up the frame assemblies 12 described above are typically connected via welding or other joining process known to those of skill in the art. For example, various of the support or brace members, including upright support members 16, include holes 49 so as to permit various component members to be bolted into position as needed.

Moreover, the support and brace members making up the frame assemblies 12 are typically of a tubular design or configuration. According to one aspect of such an embodiment, dimensions for the structure can be measured from respective centerlines of the various tubular members. In addition, according to one design convention, the intersection of the centerlines of respective tubular members can constitute “convergent work points”, and from such convergent work points, measurements can be taken and/or determined. For example, in one embodiment, each of the frame assemblies 12 can have a width “w” about 7 feet, with the width measured from a centerline of one of the upright support members 16 to the centerline of another upright support member. It is also of note that the frame assemblies can have a height, as measured from one end of the upright support member to another, of 7 feet. Moreover, in one embodiment, the tubular support and brace members can have an outer diameter of 3.5 inches. In another embodiment, the tubular supports and other brace and/or support members can have an outer diameter of 2 inches. Still, it should be appreciated that the size(s) of the overall structure, as well as the size of any individual or component members, can vary to convenience depending on the end use or application at hand. As an additional note, single lines 21 (in the present embodiment and with respect to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) are used to represent or indicate the presence of secondary tubular bracing.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of another scaffold 50 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the scaffold 50 again includes similar scaffold members depicted in FIG. 1. For example, the scaffold 50 comprises frame assemblies 52, with each of the frame assemblies (also called “frames”) having a plurality of upright support members 54, truss assemblies, generally referred to by numeral 56 and which connect the respective upright support members 54, and angled supports or braces 58, which are connected to the respective truss assemblies and the respective upright support members 54. Here again, single lines 55 (as previously noted) are used to represent or indicate the presence of secondary tubular bracing.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of beams 60 (also called “spandrel beams”), are illustrated. The beams 60 are connected to the upright support members 54 via a beam hanging assembly, generally referred to by number 61 (also called a “spandrel beam hanging assembly”). The beam hanging assembly 61 includes hangers 62 (also called “spandrel beam hangers”), bracing nodes 64, and support members 66. The bracing nodes 64 serve to prevent or substantially prevent lateral or horizontal movement of the respective beam 60 to which the respective node is connected, and as such, the bracing nodes can be referred to (e.g., in the present embodiment) as “horizontal bracing nodes”.

Referring specifically to FIG. 3, a plurality of beams, generally referred to by the number 68, are positioned in overlay relationship with respect to the beams 60. A shown, the beams 68 can be “I” beams (although, as a practical matter, the type can vary), and they can be oriented substantially perpendicular with respect to the beams 60. The number of beams 68 too can vary to convenience, although in present embodiment, the plurality can comprise eight (8) beams oriented as described. Decking 70 is supported by and secured into position, via the plurality of beams 68, in conjunction with the hanging assemblies 61.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic front view of a scaffold 72 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. The scaffold 72 again generally comprises a plurality of walk-through frame assemblies 74, which are shown here in stacked relation, one over another. With reference in particular to the centrally disposed assembly 74, the frame assembly includes a plurality of substantially upright support members 76, with each of the substantially upright support members having a bottom end 78 and a top end 80. The frame assembly further comprises a truss structure, generally referred to by the number 82, which is connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members 76. The truss structure 82 further comprises a plurality of substantially lateral support members 84, 85, a plurality of substantially upright support members 86, and a plurality of angled support members 88, 89. The plurality of substantially upright truss support members and the plurality of angled truss support members, as shown, are connected to the substantially lateral support members 84, 85, respectively.

The frame assembly further comprises a plurality of angled support members 90, 92. Each of the angled support members 90, 92 has a bottom end 94, 96, respectively, and a top end 98, 100, respectively. The angled brace or support members 90, 92 diverge from their top ends 98, 100 to their bottom ends 94, 96 such that each of the angled brace member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure 82 and each of the angled brace member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends 78 of the plurality of substantially upright support members 76. In one embodiment, respective centerlines of the angled support members and the upright support members intersect at a convergent work point, and in a preferred embodiment, the distance between the convergent work point and the bottom end of a respective upright support member can be 6″. However, it should be understood that this distance can be varied (and will vary depending on tolerances) as necessary without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

As shown, the frame assembly 74 can further comprise a plurality of ladder-like lateral support members 102 that can be connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members 76 and the plurality of angled brace members 90, 92. Also, in one embodiment, the distance between the substantially upright support members and the angled support members, and more particularly, the distance between their respective centerlines, with these distances corresponding to lengths of the ladder-like support members, can be one of 22 5/16″ and 9 21/32″, respectively. However, it should be understood that these distances can be varied (and will vary depending on tolerances) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Still referring to FIG. 4, in the present embodiment that, angled support members 90, 92 are joined (e.g., welded) to lower truss lateral beam or member 84 of truss 82. Angled truss members 88, 89 are joined (e.g., welded) to lower truss lateral beam or member 84 and converge at, and are joined to, upper truss lateral member 85. As previously described, in a preferred embodiment, center lines of various of the scaffold members define convergent work points. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the centerlines of angled truss members 88, 89 and upper lateral truss support member 85 intersect at a convergent work point. Also, in one embodiment, the distance between the truss lateral members, and more particularly, the distance between their respective centerlines, can be twelve (12) inches. However, it should be understood that this distance is exemplary, and if necessary can be varied (and will vary depending on tolerances) without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Deck 104 is supported by frame assembly 74 such that a worker 107 can walk on the deck. Advantageously, the worker can pass from one scaffold to another (e.g., as shown, in a direction corresponding into or out of the page) without being impeded by scaffold or frame elements (e.g., support beams and the like). In this fashion, the present embodiment illustrates a “walk-through” type scaffold assembly having uses in a variety of environments, including shoring applications and applications in which a hoist can be used.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 3 showing the beam hanging assembly 61 for use with the scaffold, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. As described above, the beam hanging assembly 61 includes hangers 62 (also called “spandrel beam hangers”), bracing nodes 64, and support members 66. The bracing nodes 64 serve to prevent or substantially prevent lateral or horizontal movement of the respective beam 60 to which the node is connected. Accordingly, and as noted above, the bracing nodes can be referred to as “horizontal bracing nodes”. The assembly further comprises an upright connection member 109 (which in the present embodiment has a rectangular profile). In addition, as shown, the bracing node includes a plurality of disc-shaped portions 106, 108, positioned in spaced relation, one over the other. The spandrel beam 60 is connected to the upright connection member 109, and the upright connection member 106 is connected to the upright frame member 54. More specifically, upright connection member 106 is connected, via beam hangers 62 and disc-shaped portions 106, 108 of the bracing node 64 to the upright frame member 54. In this manner, and in the present embodiment, the beam hanging assembly 61 is connected to the frame assembly 52. Here again, single lines 111 (as previously noted) are used to represent or indicate the presence of secondary tubular bracing.

Advantageously, holes in the various components provide for added adjustability in set-up and positioning of walk-through frames. Hangers 62 can be extruded as well to facilitate proper installation of the spandrel beam (which can weigh, in one embodiment, about 140 lbs) quickly and easily—and at virtually any height. Bracing or attachment nodes can be termed “universal” in that the spandrel beam can be placed and/or braced at almost any height, and with a minimum of hardware.

FIGS. 6 and 6 a illustrate side elevational and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a scaffold assembly 200 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, the scaffold assembly 200 is implemented in one exemplary industrial application, namely, a construction project for the erection and/or repair of a tall building. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the scaffold assembly 200 includes a plurality of scaffold sub-assemblies 202, with the subassemblies comprising walk-through frame assemblies 204 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present invention. A hoist 206 is also shown, and access is provided between the hoist and the scaffold, as generally indicated by arrow 208. Here again, the walk-though frames 204 can be sized to convenience, and in the application as shown, the frames are typically 7 feet in width, by 7 feet in height. Ties 210 can be utilized to secure the structure 202. Sheathing 212 can also be included to fully contain the structure. Advantageously, the present invention provides for walk-through accessibility by scaffold users in tall applications, including the application depicted.

Exemplary applications for the assembly and/or subassemblies shown in the figures can include, for example, scaffold, shoring and hoist-type applications. Accordingly, where a particular descriptive term is used (e.g., “scaffold” or “scaffolding”) herein, such reference should not inappropriately be construed in any limiting sense. Moreover, it will be understood that the assemblies and subassemblies (as well as discrete elements making up the assemblies and subassemblies) shown and described herein can be constructed from a variety of materials, some of which are disclosed herein. Accordingly, it should be understood that such disclosure is exemplary, but should not be inappropriately construed in any limiting way.

The detail provided herein is for the purpose of illustration only. It is specifically intended that the present invention not be limited to the embodiments and illustrations contained herein, but include modified forms of those embodiments including portions of the embodiments and combinations of elements of different embodiments as come within the scope of the following claims. 

1. A scaffold comprising: a deck; a walk-through frame assembly connected to and for supporting the deck, the frame assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially upright support members each having a bottom end and a top end; a truss structure connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members; and a plurality of angled support members, each of the angled support members having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the angled support members diverge from their top ends to their bottom ends such that each of the angled support member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure and each of the angled support member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends of the plurality of substantially upright support member bottom ends.
 2. The scaffold of claim 1, wherein the truss structure further comprises a plurality of angled support members and a plurality of substantially lateral support members, and wherein the plurality of angled support members are connected to the substantially lateral support members.
 3. The scaffold of claim 2, wherein the lateral support members are substantially horizontal and the upright support members are substantially vertical.
 4. The scaffold of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lateral support members connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members and the plurality of angled support members.
 5. The scaffold system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of substantially lateral support members and the plurality of angled support members are positioned and connected so to create a chevron-type bracing configuration.
 6. The scaffold system of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly, when viewed on its side, comprises a k-shaped configuration.
 7. The scaffold system of claim 1 wherein the angled brace members are positioned to be substantially diagonal in configuration.
 8. The scaffold of claim 1, wherein the truss structure further comprises a plurality of substantially lateral support members, a plurality of substantially upright support members, and a plurality of angled support members and wherein the plurality of substantially upright support members and the plurality of angled support members are connected to the substantially lateral support members.
 9. The scaffold of claim 2, wherein the plurality of truss structure angled support members diverge from a common work point.
 10. A walk-through frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially upright support members each having a bottom end and a top end; a truss structure connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members; and a plurality of angled support members, each of the angled support members having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the angled support members diverge from their top ends to their bottom ends such that each of the angled support member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure and each of the angled support member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends of the plurality of substantially upright support member bottom ends.
 11. The walk-through frame assembly of claim 10, wherein the truss structure further comprises a plurality of substantially lateral support members and a plurality of substantially upright support members connected to the substantially lateral support members.
 12. The walk-through frame assembly of claim 11, wherein the lateral support members are positioned to be substantially horizontal and the upright support members are positioned to be substantially vertical.
 13. The walk-through frame assembly of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of lateral support members connected to the plurality of substantially upright support members and the plurality of angled support members.
 14. The walk-through frame assembly of claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of substantially lateral support members and the plurality of angled support members are positioned and connected so to create a chevron-type bracing configuration.
 15. A scaffold comprising: a pair of walk-through frame assemblies connected to one another, each of the frame assemblies comprising: a plurality of substantially vertical support members each having a bottom end and a top end; a truss structure connected to the plurality of substantially vertical support members; and a plurality of angled support members, each of the angled support members having a bottom end and a top end, the angled support members diverging from their top ends to their bottom ends such that each of the angled support member top ends are connected near a central region of the truss structure and each of the angled support member bottom ends are connected near the bottom ends of the plurality of substantially vertical support member bottom ends;
 16. The scaffold of claim 15, wherein each truss structure further comprises at least one substantially lateral support member and at least one substantially upright support member connected to the substantially lateral support member, and wherein the at least one substantially lateral truss structure support member is connected to at least one of the walk-through frame assembly angled support members.
 17. The scaffold of claim 16, wherein each of the at least one substantially lateral truss structure support member and the at least one angled support members has a centerline, and each of the respective centerlines intersect at a convergent work point. 